Rackspace, Vultr, Linode, Pax8, Cloudways Talk Hot Cloud Topics

There are so many considerations for channel partners offering cloud computing. They want to understand the benefits (and drawbacks) of teaming with the hyperscalers, and they want to get a better feel for the complementary, but independent, options.

In addition, all of these partners – managed service providers, resellers, consultants, and even more traditional telecom agents – seeking insight into the various cloud marketplaces and the choices those present.

All in all, so much is happening in the cloud computing space that it’s difficult to summarize the activity. Channel Futures sought to explore some of those issues in greater depth at its second-annual Channel Partners Conference & Expo Cloud Roundtable. In our first installment covering this closed-door event, participants mostly discussed trends in cloud computing.

In this second iteration, representatives from five companies discuss which organizations channel partners can expect to spend on cloud computing. They also cover challenges facing end customers, the IT talent shortage, and more.

See the slideshow above to hear more from Amanda Lee, senior vice president of global communications at Pax8, a cloud marketplace distributor; Blair Lyon, vice president of cloud experience at Linode; Renee Taylor, vice president of global alliances and channel chief at Rackspace, a managed cloud computing provider; Robert Jacobi, director of WordPress for Cloudways, a managed service provider; and Shane Zide, global vice president of channel for Vultr, part of The Constant Company.